Three top U.S. figure skaters kick off their campaign for women’s medals at the Milan Cortina Olympics on Day 11. Action intensifies in snowboarding, freestyle skiing, speedskating team pursuit, and men’s hockey playoffs.
American Stars Face Tough Rivals in Women’s Figure Skating
Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito lead the U.S. charge as rising stars in women’s figure skating. Competitors from Japan and Russia pose significant threats to their medal aspirations.
While medals remain out of reach today, the short program sets the stage, where strong performances build momentum and mistakes can end hopes early. Kaori Sakamoto of Japan, a three-time world champion, emerges as a top contender alongside teammate Ami Nakai.
Adeliia Petrosian, competing as a neutral athlete, brings big jumps under a controversial coach and appears to have overcome recent injury issues. She skates second among 29 competitors, potentially flying under the radar before later stars take the ice.
Medals Up for Grabs in Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air
Athletes showcase massive tricks as women’s snowboard slopestyle and men’s freestyle big air award medals. New Zealand’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, the reigning world champion, topped qualifying and seeks a second Olympic gold.
Japan’s Kokomo Murase, who qualified second, stands as her main rival after securing big air gold earlier at these Games. In men’s big air, U.S. standout Mac Forehand posted the highest qualifying score. Norway’s Birk Ruud, already a slopestyle gold medalist here, hunts a second victory.
U.S. Speedskaters Chase Team Pursuit Gold
Women’s and men’s team pursuit medal rounds take place Tuesday on the speedskating oval. Each nation fields three skaters starting from opposite ends of the track.
The U.S. men’s team holds the world record from November and earned bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Men’s Hockey Playoffs Heat Up
Win-or-go-home playoffs begin in men’s hockey. The U.S. and Canada secure quarterfinal berths from group play.
Sweden faces a pivotal matchup against Latvia for a chance to advance and face the unbeaten Americans. Czechia and Denmark battle for the right to challenge top-seeded Canada.
